Famous Russian Wrestlers

Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Karelin is a retired Russian Greco-Roman wrestler and politician. He is widely regarded as the greatest Greco-Roman wrestler of all time, having won gold medals at the Olympics and numerous world championships. Karelin's wrestling record includes 887 wins and only two losses, both controversial. He was named the greatest Greco-Roman wrestler of the 20th century by FILA and has received prestigious awards for his contributions to the sport. In 1999, he transitioned into politics and has served in various legislative capacities.

Abdulrashid Sadulaev, known as the "Russian Tank," is a highly accomplished Russian freestyle wrestler. He competes at 97 kilograms and previously at 86 kilograms. Regarded as the most dominant active wrestler globally, Sadulaev has an impressive list of achievements. He is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, five-time World Champion, Individual World Cup champion, four-time European Continental Champion, Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix winner, two-time European Games Champion, and two-time Cadet World Champion. His skill and dedication have solidified his reputation as a wrestling legend.

Roman Andreyevich Vlasov is a highly accomplished Russian Greco-Roman wrestler known for his exceptional achievements in various prestigious competitions. With an impressive track record, he has secured multiple Olympic, World, and European titles, showcasing his dominance in the sport. Under the guidance of coach Viktor Kuznetsov, who also mentored legendary wrestler Aleksandr Karelin, Vlasov has consistently delivered outstanding performances, including notable victories at the 2013 Summer Universiade and the 2020 Individual Wrestling World Cup.

Aniuar Borisovich Geduev is a highly accomplished Russian freestyle wrestler of Circassian Kabardian descent. He has achieved significant success in various international competitions, including winning gold medals at the European Wrestling Championships and the European Games. Geduev also claimed a bronze medal at the World Wrestling Championships and competed in the Olympics, where he demonstrated exceptional skill by defeating top wrestlers from various countries. His impressive performances have solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor in the world of freestyle wrestling.

Adam Saitiev is a highly accomplished Russian wrestler of Chechen descent known for his exceptional achievements in the sport. He clinched a gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics and emerged victorious at the Wrestling World Championships in 1999 and 2002. Regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers in history, Saitiev's impressive career highlights include numerous prestigious titles and accolades. His expertise and skill on the mat have solidified his reputation as a formidable force in the wrestling world.

Sharif Sharifov is a retired Russian-Azerbaijani wrestler of Avar descent. He achieved significant success in international competitions, winning a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics and a bronze at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Sharifov also secured first place in the World Championships and earned a bronze in the European Championships. Known for his prowess in the 84 kg weight class, he faced and defeated notable opponents on his path to Olympic glory, showcasing his skill and determination on the wrestling mat.

Artur Taymazov is a former Uzbek-Russian wrestler and politician. He was Uzbekistan's most decorated Olympian until being stripped of two gold medals for doping violations. Taymazov was elected to the 7th State Duma of the Russian Federation representing United Russia. Following retesting of samples, he was disqualified from the 2008 and 2012 Olympics for drug violations, resulting in the withdrawal of both gold medals. Despite this, Taymazov expressed happiness that the medals were re-allocated to Russian wrestlers.

Makharbek Khadartsev is a renowned Soviet-Russian politician and former wrestler with an illustrious career in Freestyle wrestling. He has represented both Russia and Uzbekistan in various international competitions, earning two Olympic gold medals and securing five world championship titles. Khadartsev's exceptional skills and dedication to the sport have solidified his reputation as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in history. Additionally, his transition into politics further demonstrates his commitment to public service and leadership beyond the wrestling arena.

Guzel Manyurova is a highly accomplished Tatar freestyle wrestler who has competed for both Russia and Kazakhstan. She has won three Olympic medals in 2004, 2012, and 2016. Manyurova graduated from the Moscow Veterinarian Academy and initially trained at Dynamo Moscow while representing Russia. She later transitioned to training in Alma Ata. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional skill and determination in the world of freestyle wrestling, earning recognition as a top athlete in the sport.

Victor Zangiev is a retired Soviet and Russian freestyle wrestler of Ossetian origin. He achieved professional success in Japan, where he wrestled and eventually became the inspiration for the iconic Zangief character in the Street Fighter series. Zangiev's wrestling skills and cultural impact were instrumental in shaping the character's persona and moveset in the popular video game franchise. His legacy as a professional wrestler and cultural figure continues to resonate with fans of both wrestling and gaming around the world.

Danil Khalimov was a Russian-Kazakhstani amateur Greco-Roman wrestler of Tatar descent who competed in the men's middleweight category. He won two silver medals in the 74 kg division at the 2002 Asian Games and the 2004 Asian Wrestling Championships. Khalimov trained full-time for Professional Sport Club Daulet in Almaty under his personal coach Anvar Sagitov. He represented Kazakhstan at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and achieved a fifth-place finish. Khalimov passed away from COVID-19 in 2020 during the pandemic in Russia.

Mavlet Alavdinovich Batirov is a highly accomplished Russian freestyle wrestler known for his impressive career achievements. He has secured multiple prestigious titles, including two Olympic gold medals and a World Championship win. Batirov's dominance in the 55 kg and 60 kg weight categories has solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor in the wrestling world. His consistent success on the international stage highlights his exceptional skill, determination, and dedication to the sport.

Natalia Vitalyevna Vorobieva is a highly accomplished Russian wrestler who has displayed remarkable success at both the Olympic and World levels. She has consistently excelled in various weight divisions, securing titles in the -72 kg and -69 kg freestyle categories. Vorobieva's impressive career highlights include winning gold at the 2012 Summer Olympics, securing multiple World and European titles, and demonstrating versatility by transitioning between weight classes. She has continued to showcase her exceptional skills and determination, earning numerous medals and accolades throughout her career.

Sergei Alekseyevich Beloglazov is a highly accomplished former Olympic wrestler and World Champion hailing from Russia. He has an impressive career record, including being a two-time Olympic Champion, a six-time World Champion, and a World Silver medalist. Beloglazov is widely considered one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers in history. He has also taken on coaching roles, serving as the National Head Coach of the Wrestling Federation of Singapore and later being appointed as the head coach of the Cliff Keen Wrestling Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Dzhamal Sultanovich Otarsultanov is a renowned male Russian wrestler who achieved great success in his career. He secured the gold medal in men's freestyle 55 kg category at the 2012 London Olympics, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. Otarsultanov's impressive performance on the world stage solidified his reputation as a top athlete in wrestling. His achievements have earned him recognition and admiration within the wrestling community and beyond, establishing him as a notable figure in the sport.

Khadzhimurat Soltanovich Gatsalov is a renowned Russian wrestler with a successful career in freestyle wrestling. He has achieved significant milestones, including winning gold at the 2004 Olympics and multiple world medals in different weight classes. Gatsalov transitioned to the 120 kg class and continued his winning streak. He later played a pivotal role as Daniel Cormier's training partner, showcasing his expertise in the sport. Gatsalov's wealth of experience led to his appointment as the head coach of the Russian National Freestyle team in 2022.

Besik Kudukhov was a highly successful Russian freestyle wrestler of Ossetian descent. He achieved significant milestones in his wrestling career, including winning Olympic medals in the 55 kg and 60 kg categories. Kudukhov was known for his dominance in the sport, winning world championships and European titles. He was a key member of the Russian national team, showcasing his talent and skill on the international stage. Tragically, his career was cut short by a fatal car accident, leaving behind a legacy of wrestling excellence.

Ivan Sergeyevich Yarygin was a legendary Soviet and Russian heavyweight freestyle wrestler known for his exceptional upper-body wrestling skills and aggressive style. He achieved numerous accolades, including Olympic and world championships, as well as multiple European titles and World Cup victories. Yarygin set records for pin victories, including the fastest pin in World Cup history. Following his retirement, he held leadership positions within the Soviet and Russian wrestling organizations until his tragic passing in a car accident in 1997. His legacy is honored through the prestigious Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin Tournament held annually in Krasnoyarsk, Russia.

Ali Aliyev was a renowned Soviet freestyle wrestler who achieved significant success in his career. He won five world titles and made history as the first wrestler from Dagestan to win a world title in freestyle wrestling. Aliyev represented the Soviet Union at the Olympic Games in 1960, 1964, and 1968, finishing fourth and sixth in his appearances. Following his passing, the Russian Wrestling Federation established the annual Ali Aliev Memorial International Wrestling Meeting in his honor at the Ali Aliev Wrestling Training Center in Kaspiysk, Dagestan, Russia.

Ramazan Şahin is a highly accomplished freestyle wrestler with a successful career in international competitions. He has won gold medals at prestigious events such as the World Championships, European Championships, and the Summer Olympics. His expertise and skill in wrestling have earned him recognition on a global scale. Additionally, he has transitioned into coaching and currently serves as the head coach of the Turkmenistan national wrestling team, where he shares his knowledge and experience with aspiring wrestlers.

Soslan Andiyev was a highly accomplished Soviet heavyweight freestyle wrestler with a successful career spanning from 1973 to 1984. He achieved numerous accolades including Olympic and world championships, as well as victories in various other prestigious competitions. Following his retirement from active competition, Andiyev transitioned into coaching roles, serving as a national wrestling coach and later becoming a prominent sports functionary in his native Ossetia. He also held leadership positions within the Russian Olympic Committee and was inducted into the FILA Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2006.

Vladimir Sergeyevich Yumin was a highly accomplished Russian freestyle wrestler with a successful career spanning over a decade. He achieved significant milestones including an Olympic gold medal in 1976, multiple world titles in the 1970s, and European championships in the mid-1970s. Yumin also secured numerous Soviet titles during his wrestling career. Following his retirement from competitive wrestling, he transitioned into coaching and made a notable impact as a coach for the Turkish national team. In recognition of his achievements, he was inducted into the International Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2009.

Aleksandr Ivanitsky was a renowned Russian wrestler and Olympic champion in Freestyle wrestling. He represented the Soviet Union during his career and achieved great success in the sport. Ivanitsky's professional life was marked by his exceptional skills and achievements on the wrestling mat, where he showcased his talent and dedication to the sport. His legacy as an Olympic champion and his contributions to the world of Freestyle wrestling have left a lasting impact on the sport and inspired many aspiring wrestlers.